Itanagar, June 30 (IANS) Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who arrived in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday to assess the flood situation, assured that the Centre would provide all necessary assistance to the Northeastern states for relief, rescue and rehabilitation of people affected by the devastating floods.

The Union Minister said that the concerns of farmers and villagers in the Northeast had reached Delhi directly, and under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government was prepared to provide all necessary assistance.

Chouhan, however, could not conduct an aerial survey in Arunachal Pradesh due to inclement weather. He will undertake a day-long tour, covering both ground and air, of flood-affected areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Wednesday (July 1) to personally assess the situation of affected farmers and families and devise measures for assistance.

Chouhan and Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, on Tuesday visited many affected areas in the state to assess the flood situation.

Upon arriving in Arunachal this afternoon, the Union Minister met directly with the people and listened to their grievances. He remarked that while the weather had grounded the helicopter on Tuesday, it would not deter their resolve. On Wednesday, he will spend the entire day in the flood-affected regions of Arunachal and Assam, conducting a comprehensive assessment, from the ground and the air, to ensure aid reaches every farmer and family.

Upon arrival, the Minister first met people from flood-affected areas and public representatives. Residents shared details about the inundation of their fields, the destruction of crops, and damage to homes and belongings.

The Union Minister listened attentively and assured them that no family would be left without assistance.

In a meeting with senior officials of the Arunachal Pradesh government at the Itanagar Secretariat, Chouhan discussed the current flood situation, relief supplies, rehabilitation efforts, and future courses of action. He will personally inspect the damage to farmers’ fields, the condition of livestock, and the overall impact on daily life.

The visiting Central Minister will conduct an aerial survey of various flood-hit areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam by helicopter to assess the condition of rivers, embankments, roads, and crop fields.

In the evening, at a meeting with senior officials of the Assam government in Guwahati, he will discuss flood management, relief distribution, embankment repairs, and financial assistance for farmers.

The Union Minister emphasised that while immediate relief must be provided to the people, plans must also be formulated to minimise damage during future floods, focusing on measures such as improved drainage, robust embankments, safe shelters, and better crop insurance systems.

Chouhan urged the flood-affected people of Arunachal and Assam to remain courageous during these difficult times. He assured them that the Central and state governments would work together to take every possible step to help them overcome this crisis.

Speaking to the media, the Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister said Arunachal Pradesh was a cherished state but was currently facing a severe crisis due to a massive natural disaster. Heavy rains and landslides damaged roads, bridges, and numerous homes, causing immense loss of life and property. Crops such as oranges, bananas, and paddy had been completely destroyed.

“Minister Kiren Rijiju and I have come to visit the affected areas alongside the Chief Minister, following the Prime Minister’s instructions. We will conduct a detailed assessment of the damage and ensure all possible assistance from the Central Government,” he said.

Chouhan added that no effort would be spared to assist the public during this challenging time, and under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, they would work with full determination to steer the state out of this crisis.

–IANS

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